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The Siberian Husky temperament is outgoing, friendly, and loving, with a strong free-spirited nature. They’re the adventurers of the dog world and are always down for a good time.
Despite their wolfish appearance, Huskies are not dangerous dogs. They’re social butterflies who make friends easily, whether that’s with other dogs at the park or new people at the pub. They’re not shy and will often find themselves the centre of attention, thanks to their quirky antics and charming personalities.
Take their talking, for example. Huskies are well-renowned chatterboxes who love to converse (ahem, howl) loudly, which provides endless entertainment for the family. But they’re incredibly theatrical, often giving dramatic vocal performances when they don’t get their own way. Expect plenty of operatic ‘awoos’ if they’re bored, you’re taking too long for dinner, or their toy is ever so slightly out of reach.
These dogs love to play and be involved with family activities, but a quick game in the living room isn’t enough to feed a Husky’s insane appetite for stimulation. Bred to pull sleds over long distances, Huskies are highly energetic with extraordinary stamina, and as such need copious amounts of exercise and mental enrichment to stay happy and balanced. If they’re not given enough outlets to burn their energy, they’ll resort to destructive behaviours such as chewing, digging, and just causing absolute chaos at home. This isn’t fair on them, or your furniture that might meet an untimely demise.
Intensive training is fundamental for Huskies, because while they’re intelligent, they’re very independent and stubborn with a mind of their own. Pleasing you is not their ultimate goal. They want to run, run, and run some more, and will stop at nothing to get what they want. A locked door is a challenge to these mischievous pups, not a boundary to obey, so security and supervision is a must when owning a Husky.
Despite this, they’re extremely loving and loyal companions who welcome everyone into their pack. What they might lack in guarding and protection, they make up for in beauty, athleticism, and affection. As they thrive on human companionship, Huskies can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods, which can lead to some naughty behaviours.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for an active dog that packs a personality punch, the Husky could be the breed for you.
Siberian Huskies are purebred working dogs that were also raised as pets for thousands of years by the Chukchi people of Siberia. The Alaskan Husky is a mixed breed, created by crossing the Siberian Husky with Alaskan Malamutes and other breeds like the Greyhound, German Pointer, or Saluki. They’re developed purely for specific jobs and purposes, and have no breed standards, so their appearance can vary greatly.
They’re both fluffy, efficient, hardworking dog breeds that originated in Arctic regions to pull sleds, but what’s the difference? Alaskan Malamutes, or Mals, are a lot bigger than the light and nimble Husky. This is because they were bred to pull heavy loads over long distances, compared to Huskies that were bred to pull lighter loads at faster speeds. Mals have a longer course coat, and don’t have a piercing blue gaze like a lot of Huskies. Both are super friendly and affectionate towards people, and share a love of running, however Malamutes can be more difficult to train.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outgoing and friendly with everyone | Needs vigorous physical and mental exercise |
| Playful and free-spirited | Independent, stubborn, and not overly obedient |
| Good with children | Very vocal with howling and singing |
| Highly adaptable | High prey drive |
| Clean and odourless | Can be destructive if left alone or not exercised enough |
| Athletic and adventurous | Famous for being escape artists |
| Attractive features and appearance | Heavy shedding |
Yes, but it really depends on the family. Huskies are playful, affectionate, loving dogs that thrive on human companionship. They were bred alongside tribes, so are even-tempered and love people. But they’re high-maintenance with a lot of needs. They require constant exercise, mental stimulation, and adventure in order to stay happy, which isn’t something every family can readily provide. They suit families who lead active, outdoor lifestyles, and are willing to put in the work to give their Husky a life that channels their natural instincts as much as possible.
Yes, Huskies are generally good with children, as they love to play and bounce around. However, they’re extremely high energy and can be quite boisterous, so extra precaution is needed around babies and toddlers.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well-trained your pooch is.
It depends. Being pack dogs, Huskies tend to get on well with other dogs, but they’re not the best furry friend for other small animals. Having been bred in harsh conditions where food was scarce, they have a strong prey drive and might think other pets – such as cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs – are on the dinner menu.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Siberian Husky is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our dogs to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Husky properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
A lot, and then some more! Full grown Huskies need a minimum of 2 hours of exercise a day. They were bred for long-distance sledding, so they have power, endurance, and speed. A quick walk around the block is definitely not enough for these athletic doggos!
Huskies need plenty of opportunity to run, explore, and freely express themselves, but it should be done in a secure environment. These are independent thinkers with a very strong prey drive, and obeying the recall command can be hit or miss. The ‘off switch’ for running simply doesn’t exist in a Husky’s brain, and given the chance, they’ll gallop off into the sunset without looking back! Ensure their safety – as well as the wildlife around them – by going to an enclosed area or keeping them on a long lead.
Mental stimulation is also crucial for the intelligent Husky. They’re working dogs down to the bone, and are happiest when they’re given a job to do. Incorporate fun enrichment games and canine sports into their exercise routine, such as rally, agility, hiking, fetch, and of course, Husky sledding.
When they don’t get the exercise they need, Huskies will become very difficult to live with. They’re naturally mischievous anyway, but a bored, under stimulated Husky is an extremely destructive one. If you want a happy, healthy dog (and for your house to stay intact), they need lots of activities to keep them busy each day.
Their thick coat can cause Huskies to overheat, so walk them when it’s cooler during the summer months, such as earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon.
Owning a Husky is like having your own Houdini in the house. They’re clever escape artists, known to climb fences or dig tunnels under them in search of adventure. A high fence that goes deep into the ground is necessary to keep them safe.
Huskies are intelligent dogs who love to work, but they’re incredibly independent and won’t go out of their way to please you. Their motto in life is definitely “I’ll do what I want, when I want”, and will often try to outsmart you. These drama queens are known to throw loud temper tantrums if they don’t want to do something, howling and screaming until you give in.
Training these dogs is not for the faint-hearted, and requires a lot of consistency, patience, and paw-sitivity from the get go – and beyond! Attending puppy, obedience, and socialisation classes can also help raise a sensible Siberian Husky.
Unleash your pup’s potential with these Husky training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats, such as this high protein Baltic Beef Jerky.
2. Establish who’s top dog. Huskies are a pack breed, so they naturally respect the pecking order. Make sure you’re a confident leader that’s firm but fair, and that you set and enforce clear boundaries. This will help your Husky understand what's expected of them and reduce the risk of them becoming dominant and unruly.
3. Make them wait for their food. This is a good way to establish yourself as leader of the pack and build respect between you and your Husky.
4. Socialise, socialise, socialise! Even though Huskies are outgoing, friendly dogs, they need to be socialised from an early age. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
5. Be consistent. Huskies will pick up bad habits as easily as they learn good ones, so consistency is key, along with making sure the household is using the same commands.
6. Dispel the digging. Huskies don’t care about your pretty flower beds or perfect lawn, so get a sandpit or carve out an area of the garden where they can dig without being destructive.
7. Focus on lead training. Learning to walk nicely on a lead is essential, as these dogs have a high prey drive and a deep desire to run, and shouldn’t be let off-lead in open areas. Start indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable. Due to their strength, you should also invest in a heavy duty harness that allows for safe outdoor adventures.
8. Work on recall. This will most likely be a lifelong pursuit, as Huskies will do their own thing when the feeling strikes, but it’s important to teach them the command and work on their obedience. Use a long-line lead and some tempting treats to (kind of) master the art of recall.
9. Give them work to do. Bred to pull sleds across icy tundras, this breed needs a purpose outside of being a pet. Try activities like canicross (running with your dog), bikejoring (biking with your dog pulling), or simply giving them a backpack to carry on hikes. This not only burns off energy but it keeps them mentally engaged.
10. Mix things up. Huskies can get bored easily, so try different training exercises to keep them on their toes. Puzzles, hide-and-seek games, and obstacle courses are a good way to freshen up training.
11. Embrace their unique voice. Huskies rarely bark, but they’re proper chatterboxes who love to talk a lot. This can be disruptive to your everyday life, so teach them the ‘talk’ command where they’re rewarded for howling on cue. It’s a cute and clever party trick to show guests if nothing else!
12. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help your Husky be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
Siberian Huskies have a medium length, dense, double coat that protects them against cold weather, and it’s fairly easy to maintain. They do a lot of the work for you, as they’re renowned for being clean freaks. They clean themselves regularly like a cat, and don’t have a classic dog odour.
However, Huskies are heavy shedding dogs – even more so during spring and autumn when they blow their coats – so be prepared to find hair absolutely everywhere. Think of it as a fur tornado in your house! A handheld vacuum will become your new best friend.
Here are some grooming tips to ensure your Husky looks their best all year round.
The Husky coat comes in a variety of colours. The most popular include black and white, grey and white, and red and white, but you can also get solid black and solid white Huskies. The agouti Husky coat pattern is a mix of banded colours giving the dog a wild, wolf-life appearance.
Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the Siberian Husky lifespan is between 12–15 years. However, like all beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a few hereditary health conditions.
Healthy Huskies should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Feeding your Husky a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Husky will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
It’s best to feed full grown Huskies 2–3 times a day at set times instead of allowing them to graze, which can lead to overeating. Smaller, frequent meals will help keep their metabolism at optimum efficiency.
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Husky’s nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.
Go high protein
Due to their high energy levels, Huskies benefit from high protein dog food, which is good for optimal muscle growth, immune strength, and coat health.
Provide lots of exercise
Huskies are incredibly active and need their days to be filled with vigorous exercise and lots of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Protect their joints
To help keep the hip dysplasia at bay, consider feeding your Husky our Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over-exercised while they’re still developing.
Monitor weight
A healthy male Husky should weigh between 20kg and 27kg, while a female Husky should weigh between 16kg and 24kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though. Huskies are prone to overeating, and if they don’t get the exercise they need, they can easily pile on the pounds. Carrying this extra weight puts pressure on a dog’s joints and internal organs, reducing their quality of life.
Look after their eyes
Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.
Use a harness
Huskies were born to pull, so you might want to consider using a heavy duty harness instead of a collar to protect their throat. Harnesses can also help reduce pulling, and stop them from slipping out of their collar on walks. This means safer outdoor adventures with your pooch.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
The Alaskan Klee Kai, sometimes called the ‘Mini Husky’, is a pint-sized version of the much-loved Husky. ‘Klee kai’ is an Eskimo term meaning ‘little dog’. They’re charismatic, independent, athletic dogs that are recognised as a separate breed. However, you can also get miniature Siberian Huskies that have been bred using unethical breeding practices, such as breeding runts or dogs with dwarfism, in order to achieve the miniature size. Sellers might use terms such as Teacup Huskies to make them more appealing.
Take a look at the Husky’s dream home.
| Type of owner? | Highly active individuals, couples, or families with older children who spend time outdoors and have time to dedicate to exercise and training. |
| Outdoor space? | A large, secure back garden is essential, as well as access to large, enclosed outdoor areas. |
| Adaptability? | They’re highly adaptable and can live in urban or rural settings, but they’re not generally suited for apartments due to their energy levels and tendency to howl. |
| Multi-pet home? | They can live nicely with other dogs, but they’re not generally suited to living with cats and other small pets due to their high prey drive. |
The unconditional love of a Husky is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
Siberian Huskies can cost anywhere between £800 and £3,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Husky is around £105.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This could cost around £60 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
As with all dogs, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Siberian Husky even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most famous sledding dogs!
With DNA tests confirming they’re one of the oldest dog breeds, the Siberian Husky’s history is as adventurous as they are! These stunning dogs hail from northeastern Siberia, where they were bred by the Chukchi people – a semi-nomadic tribe – as long as 4,000 years ago. The Chukchi needed hardy, resilient dogs that could endure freezing temperatures and pull heavy sleds over long distances, so they developed the Husky—a perfect mix of endurance, strength, and speed.
Unlike some working dogs, Huskies were also valued as family companions. They were trusted to cuddle with children at night to keep them warm, showing their gentle and affectionate side. These dogs thrived in the harsh Siberian winters, proving that not only could they handle extreme conditions, but they could do it with style and energy to spare. Huskies were essential to the Chukchi’s survival and culture.
It wasn’t until 1909 when these super dogs made their way from Siberia to Alaska to take part in a sled race. Huskies unsurprisingly beat the larger and slower Alaskan Malamutes, who were bred to pull heavier loads. In 1925, a team of Siberian Huskies became heroes during the ‘Serum Run’, racing over 600 miles across Alaska to deliver life-saving medicine during a diphtheria outbreak. This daring mission secured the Husky’s place as a legendary breed.
Today, while they may not be pulling sleds across icy landscapes as much, Huskies still carry that adventurous, hardworking spirit. Whether they’re racing through fields or charming you at home, these dogs remain true to their roots—tough, independent, and full of energy.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Husky.
1. Research the breed. Huskies are incredibly active and need copious amounts of exercise, so make sure your lifestyle is suited.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before committing. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Husky puppies, and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Huskies and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Husky, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Huskies in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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